The research was published in the BMC Public Health journal, and analysed the results of nine studies that investigated the correlation between sedentary behaviour and anxiety.

Several sedentary behaviours – including activities such as watching television and using a computer – were studied, alongside the total time spent sitting during the day.

Five studies found that an increase in these behaviours was associated with a higher risk of anxiety, while four found that the total sitting time was influential.

Researchers suggested that disturbances in sleeping patterns, withdrawing from social relationships or poor metabolic health – all of which were linked to prolonged sitting – could be causing the anxiety.

It was added that supplementary studies will be required to draw a conclusion.